What Is Documentation?

Documentation is any written or visual material that describes, explains, or instructs how software works. In software projects, documentation can include code comments, user manuals, API references, architecture diagrams, and setup guides.

Why Documentation Is Important

• Helps new team members understand the project quickly;
• Reduces misunderstandings and mistakes during development;
• Makes maintaining and updating code easier over time;
• Assists users and clients in using the software effectively;
• Serves as a reference for testing, debugging, and future improvements.

Clear, well-organized documentation ensures your project remains understandable, maintainable, and valuable long after the initial development is complete.

Example: A government agency’s open-source records management system remains stable and extensible for years, thanks to detailed documentation covering everything from deployment to API integration.